A Pack Family (2 page)

Tara
grunted and pushed again as Decker guided the shoulders out.

“
Oh my God, it’s a baby.” Decker sounded so proud as Tara looked down at her newborn.

Tara
leaned against the headboard panting. “Get ready, there’s another one.”

The door slammed open and an elderly woman entered.
“Well, what do we have here?”

Decker lifted up the child and placed it on
Tara’s still extended belly. “You have a precious baby boy.” He stayed in place until the old lady pushed him aside and placed clamps on the cord and cut.

“
Go up and sit behind her, I’ll take over the delivery of the second pup.”

Decker gently lifted her back and slunk in behind her.
He placed his hands on hers as they cradled her newborn to her chest. She whimpered in pain. He took her son in his arms as she pushed her second child into the world.

Decker heard the crying of
Tara’s second child.

“
It’s a girl and she’s fit as a fiddle,” said the midwife.

Tara
collapsed onto his chest exhausted. She felt wonderful lying against him. Decker placed her son back into her arms and held her as she held her children against her chest.

Decker could feel the tears of joy running down his face but he didn’t understand the meaning.
The miracle of life always made him emotional, but these births he felt deep in his soul. They were all connected. He rubbed his cheek on the top of Tara’s head. His tears falling freely into her beautiful hair he kissed her temple. The midwife quietly backed out of the room.

“
Thank you for all you’ve done for me tonight. I’ll never forget it.” Tara’s weary voice sounded lost.

Was he being dismissed?
“There is nowhere I’d rather be.”

The baby boy began to cry in
Tara’s arms. “I think he must be hungry. Would you mind terribly holding my daughter?”

He held his breath as she placed her daughter in his arms.
“She’s so beautiful. What will you name her?”

“
I actually haven’t thought on it. I knew I was having a boy and a girl but I wasn’t prepared for them to arrive so soon, even though I knew they would be early. Do you have any suggestions?”

“
I have always been partial to Decker.” He winked and smiled, it was devastating.

“
Isn’t that your last name? I couldn’t possibly give them your sur name.”

“
Of course, I just mean, well, they are beautiful babies but, uh…I have to be going.” He bent forward and kissed each child on the head before looking up to see Tara’s eyes were full of delight.

“
It was nice meeting you Ms. Tara” and he bent forward to place a chaste kiss on her lips. He meant for the kiss to be gentile but when their lips met Tara opened her mouth and tasted him like she was a woman starving. He lost himself in the contact before her son started crying.

“
I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to…I’m sorry.” Decker fled the room like the fires of hell were on his heels.

Tara
knew this was not the last she’d see of him. Decker, her mate.

Chapter 1

Decker still felt restless. He’d been back in Petaluma at work for about two weeks when he was approached to take a supervisor position. The position previously held by Big Eddie, the scumbag who put Katie through hell. He thought it through and felt like he, not only didn’t want to be a supervisor, but he didn’t want to work in Petaluma any longer. He called Jake, the Alpha wolf and asked if he knew anyone to contact regarding a job in American Canyon where Katie had relocated. He loved the little town right outside the Napa Valley.

Jake
had given him Paul the local sheriff’s phone number, and when he called, Paul seemed enthusiastic to have someone with so much experience interested. Decker made an appointment for an interview with Paul and put in his letter of resignation with the Petaluma police force. He finally felt like his life was on the right track.

Decker interviewed with
Paul and half of the pack of shifters. Since he was a human coming into a Shifter town, he had to prove that he could keep his mouth shut and be able to hold his own against shifters if need be. Decker felt the interview went well especially since Jake got up in the middle of questioning him on his experience and stood in his face growling. Decker didn’t back down or show fear, which was apparently a pass since Jake smiled and slapped him on the back hard. “I like you, you’re in.”

The shifters all stood while he took some kind of oath.
He shook all of their hands while being forced to stand still while all of the on duty officers smelled him. He was going to have to get use to this sniffing stuff.

Decker went back to Petaluma to put his house on the market and worked his last days in Petaluma, happy.
He wished Katie would hurry up and come home from her honeymoon. He missed talking to her and laughing with her. He knew she’d be pleased that he was moving closer, but he needed a friend to talk to and she wasn’t answering her cell. He didn’t blame her; he wouldn’t answer his phone if he was on his honeymoon either. Regardless, he called and left her messages updating her on his plans.

Next he called
Jake. “Hey, I’m supposed to start work in a couple days, could you refer me to a hotel close by that’s cheap. I haven’t found a house I like yet.”

Jake
was happy that Decker was reaching out because most humans would be scared shitless. “If you want, we’d love for you to stay with us. Shana’s been talking about you often. She’s very excited you’re coming to live here. She says that maybe you’ll stay at Pack house several months just in case she delivers our twins early.” Jake laughed.

Decker became mildly uncomfortable.
He felt like the biggest ass for running out on Tara after she delivered her babies. He should have asked if there was anything he could do or…something.

“
Funny Jake. I’ll only be staying for a couple months, max, until I can find a suitable home in the area.” He hesitated before asking. “How’s Tara? Paul said she was doing great, but I can’t imagine raising twins alone. Is the dad helping?”

Jake
growled and it sounded menacing. “She is doing fine. Shana and I have been helping. Even Quinn has been helping since Katie and Conner are gone. She’ll be fine!”

Whoa, he seemed angry.
“Okay, I was just wondering. I’m glad she’s fine. I plan to be there tomorrow if that’s okay? If you could text me the address, that’d be great.”

“
Will do, there’s a storage facility off Highway 29 if you need it.”

“
No worries I’m going to keep all of my stuff in the Petaluma house until it sells, but thanks for all your help. See ya.”

Decker was starting to get a little worried.
He’d been the police officer on scene during Shana’s rape and he hoped he didn’t bring any bad memories living with her.

Decker packed a bag and without looking back drove to the Petaluma police station to turn in his badge and gun.
Soon, he would be in a different department and around his friends.

*****

Oh God, why didn’t anyone tell her that raising twins was going to kill her? Tara was so exhausted; she knew that she was close to a nervous breakdown. She was also aware that everyone who told her that being a mother was rewarding, obviously had a wonderful husband to share the duties. She was strapped for money and time. She knew she needed diapers for her little ones but she couldn’t muster up the energy to go get them.

A knock sounded at the door.
“Can I come in?” It was little Trevor, Shana’s son, who must have just gotten out of school. He loved looking at the babies, but he never touched.

“
Sure, come on in kiddo.” She secretly wished that it was Shana, and she’d brought diapers.

Trevor
came in and stood next to the crib that the babies were sharing. “They are so cute Auntie Tara. Do you think they like me? I try to come see them so they know me. I don’t want them to forget that I came to see ‘em. You’ll tell ‘em right? They is always asleep when I come in.”

“
Do you want to hold them today Trevor?”

“
Uh, no ma’am. I likes to look at them, and talks to them so’s they know my voice. One day I is gonna hold em, but not yet.” He got a faraway look in his eye. “Soon though Auntie.” And he ran out of the room.

She was left standing in the room over her children wondering what she was going to do with her life.
Jake and Shana said she could stay as long as it took for her to get on her feet, but what if she never did? Would they kick her out? She was young with no skills and two newborn babies.

Tara
’s previous pack didn’t allow the women to attend school after high school or get any education unless it was to better her cooking, sewing or laundry skills. The pack was supportive of the women doing a woman’s duty; having children, cooking and cleaning, while the men do a man’s duty, whatever the hell he wanted. She was glad to have escaped.

Just as
Tara was going to the bed to catch a nap she heard her son fussing. She peeked into the crib and saw him gnawing on his little hand, he must be hungry. She picked him up, exposed her left breast and he latched with quick skill to feed. She was trying to breastfeed without supplementing with formula but it was quickly wearing her out.

She would have to go down and get a snack from the kitchens because she was losing weight too rapidly.
Her midwife had told her that she wasn’t getting enough calories and if she didn’t eat more her milk would dry up.

She finished feeding her son and picked up her daughter so that she could go into the kitchens for a snack.
She was a little dizzy as she walked down the hall but who wouldn’t be with the lack of sleep and sustenance.

She was in the kitchen, trying to prepare food when she realized she couldn’t hold both of her babies and feed herself.
She began to weep softly. She was exhausted, and hungry, and tired and her nipples were sore. Damn, life sucked.

The doorbell rang and she figured since she wasn’t going to eat, she might as well answer it.
She walked slowly to the door and when she opened it she was taken aback. Here was the man she had been dreaming about for a month. When she was able to catch some sleep his mesmerizing eyes and black hair captured her every dream.

Bloody hell!
She must look a fright.

Chapter 2

Decker waited at the door for a while wondering if Jake had forgotten that he was supposed to arrive today. He was about to call Jake’s cell phone when he heard the bolt slide free of the lock and the door slowly opened. What he saw was the most upsetting sight he’d seen in a long time. A puffy eyed, wild haired, crying Tara had answered the door with her two children clutched in her arms. She looked skinny and wearied and instantly he lost his heart.

Tara
saw Decker look down to her sleeping newborns as he took them into his strong capable arms. Tara whimpered her relief; she wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold them. She began to sob.

“
Tara what’s wrong? Are you sick?” He looked concerned yet apprehensive.

Tara
let him in. “No, I’m just tired, and I haven’t eaten. I went to the kitchen to eat but how am I supposed to fix a meal if I have two babies?” She sniffled. “I’m sorry, this isn’t your fault I don’t mean to be dumping all this on you.” She looked up wiping her eyes and asked. “Why are you here?”

“
It’s okay. I’m going to stay here for a while until I find my own house. I’ve been looking but I haven’t found anything I’m interested in.” He felt like an ass again. He needed to get her fed and to sleep. “I’ll take care of the babies for a while, you eat and rest. Can you fix a meal or do you need help?”

“
I’m fine. Please go get settled and I’ll be fine. I’m sorry to have freaked on you.” She looked down like she was ashamed.

“
Really, I have plenty of time to get settled. Let’s take care of you.” He walked over to the couch and set the wrapped sleeping babies down on the couch, placing pillows next to them so they wouldn’t move. He didn’t know if things so small rolled but he wasn’t taking any chances.

Decker went into the kitchen and half dragged, half carried
Tara in with him. “What do you like to eat?”

“
Anything, I was told to increase my caloric intake by double if not more. I like meat of course.” She laid her head on the counter and closed her eyes.

“
Why the big love of meat?” The question no sooner left his mouth than he realized why, she was a shifter.

Her head came up so fast it was almost a blur.
“Jake said that you knew about us, I just assumed…”

“
It’s okay. I was told of shifters I just didn’t realize you were one. Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, it doesn’t make me feel any differently towards you.” He blushed as he took a steak out of the fridge.

Tara
cocked her head to the side looking inquisitive. “How is it you feel about me?”

“
I just mean that I’m not afraid of you. Wait, I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. Umm, I’m not…I don’t really know how to say it. I don’t think of you any differently than I do myself. We are what we are.” Shoot, he was rambling.

“
I understand what you’re saying. And I thank you for not making me feel, different.” She inhaled his masculine scent and felt like passing out. He smelled delightful.

He put the steak in a hot pan on the stove to brown the outside while he sliced onion and put it into the pan with the steak.
He took some crinkle cut French fries from the freezer and placed them on a baking sheet. After he put those in the oven he took romaine lettuce out of the fridge and began to wash it. Decker planned on feeding her so full that she fell asleep.

Tara
sat on a stool at the island in the kitchen and watched her mate prepare her a meal, it was hot. It was something so simple but it meant the world to her. It was a friendly gesture. She was hoping one day when her children were grown he would grow to like her and accept her as a mate. She just hoped he didn’t find someone else to love.

She closed her eyes for just a moment, and fell asleep.
Decker watched this beautiful woman sleep wondering when the last time she had a moment to herself. She was past the point of being able to think rationally because of sleep deprivation. He thought Jake and Shana were helping. Just as he was working himself into a fit, Tara sighed and he swore she said his name in sleep. He suddenly felt warm inside.

Tara
woke to a gentle hand smoothing her hair. “It’s time for dinner and then you can go to bed while I watch your brood.”

Tara
rubbed her eyes. “I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to fall asleep. You must think I’m the worst mother.”

“
Not at all, Tara. I’ll be living here for a while so I’m more than willing to help. I don’t start the new job for a couple days. While I’m here please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Great she was his new charity case.
“That’s not necessary. I can manage on my own, please don’t trouble yourself.” Crap she was starting to sound insulted. She didn’t want him to think she had strong feelings toward him, yet.

He drew back as if slapped.
“I thought you knew better. I gave you my phone number and told you not to hesitate to call, you never called. I told you if you needed anything I was more than willing to be here for you. We’ve been through a lot and I thought we were friends.”

Now it was her turn to draw back.
She was being unfair but it hurt to have this incredible man, who was perfect in every way, call her a friend when all she wanted to do was jump his bones and make him stay. She had to be fair and let him live his life while she raised her kids. She couldn’t drag him into her mess and she would never ask him to raise someone else’s kids.

She focused on her meal.
He had cut her steak for her and that small gesture made her tear up. “You’re right, we are friends, and I’m sorry I’m being mean. Please accept my apology.”

He tilted his lips into a half grin.
“No need for apologies ma’am. Is there anything I can do right now?”

She shouldn’t ask but he said he was her friend and a friend would ask.
“Uh, well, the babies…Never mind.” Nope she couldn’t ask that of him.

“
Tara I don’t want to have to keep going over this. I’m here. We’re friends, and I want to help you. Let me help.” Decker wished they were back to the closeness they shared when she was giving birth. She was open and friendly. Now she was so tense and closed off.

Tara
blurted “The babies need diapers,” before she realized she was going to speak.

He smiled.
“See that wasn’t hard, now was it? Is there anything else you need at the store while I’m there?”

Should she ask him, why not?
“There is a cream for…ya know.” Damn this was hard. “Umm, breast feeding mothers.”

He snickered.
“Lanolin? Sure I’ll pick up some of that. Anything else?”

“
Why are you being so nice?”

“
Honey, you’re wound so tight, I’d do anything to make you smile again. I can’t believe you couldn’t say nipples. I’ve seen so much more, if you’ll remember.” Was he flirting? No Brett Decker
never
flirted. He certainly wouldn’t flirt with someone so uptight. Even if she was beautiful.

She stiffened.
“Thank you.”

Decker was so confused by this woman.
He was definitely in lust but she kept pushing him and his help away. He was sick and tired of being dismissed by her, when it was obvious she needed help. “I’ll be back in a half an hour. Enjoy the meal.” He turned and walked out of the room.

She finished her meal, cooked to perfection, and picked up her youngsters walking back to her room.
She was indifferent after seeing Decker. He set her blood to boil and she couldn’t stop thinking about licking him. She was just starting to feel okay about their distance. She was going to go insane from lust with him in the same house.